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Sondra Lee, a veteran Broadway dancer with roles in 'Peter Pan' and 'Hello Dolly!' dies at 97

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Sondra Lee, a dancer and actor found by the legendary choreographer-director Jerome Robbins and originated the position of Tiger Lily on Broadway in “Peter Pan” and performed Minnie Fay within the unique manufacturing of “Hello, Dolly!,” has died. She was 97.

Lee died Monday of pure causes in her New York City condominium, based on her pal and colleague, the Rev. Joshua Ellis, a former Broadway press agent.

After her dancing days, Lee taught at Stella Adler’s Conservatory and New York University. She additionally was a guide to such movies as “Places in the Heart” with Sally Field, “The Last of the Mohicans” with Daniel Day Lewis and “The Morning After” starring Jane Fonda, Jeff Bridges and Raul Julia.

In her 2009 memoir, “I’ve Slept With Everybody,” she recounted assembly Robbins on the Shubert Theatre. She had simply missed his audition for “High Button Shoes” and didn’t know who he was.

“Oh,” she informed him. “I just auditioned for ‘Allegro’ and they found I was too short so they let me go. So I’m going home to commit suicide.” Robbins replied: “Don’t go home and commit suicide, come over here and dance for me.” She did and received the job, really two comedian roles within the present.

Robbins would turn out to be her champion and likewise gave her a nickname: “Peanuts,” from the Charles Shultz cartoon strip. “I had been given a gift and I ran with it,” she writes.

Other profession highlights included supporting Bert Lahr and Angela Lansbury on Broadway within the farce “Hotel Paradiso,” a job within the Robert Redford-led “Sunday in New York” on Broadway and an uncredited flip in Federico Fellini’s “La Dolce Vita.”

Lee originated the position of Tiger Lily within the 1954 Broadway manufacturing of “Peter Pan” — in addition to taking part in the half within the 1955, 1956 and 1960 TV broadcasts of “Peter Pan” — working alongside Mary Martin.

In 1964, she started the longest run of her profession. The director Gower Champion requested her to play Minnie Fay within the unique manufacturing of “Hello, Dolly!” with Carol Channing. She would stick with the present for years and likewise tour with it from 1965-68.

Lee’s final public look was at Carnegie Hall in 2025 as a part of the Transport Group’s live performance efficiency of “Hello, Dolly!” She acquired a chronic standing ovation.

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UP CM holds talks with Ex Japan Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry

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Tokyo [Japan], February 25 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday held talks with Nishimura Yasutoshi, Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in Tokyo.

Yogi Adityanath’s and Nishimura’s talks centered on strengthening Uttar Pradesh-Japan cooperation inside the broader framework of India-Japan relations.

In a submit on X, CM Yogi mentioned, ‘Met Mr. NISHIMURA Yasutoshi, Former Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in Tokyo, in the present day. Held significant discussions on strengthening Uttar Pradesh-Japan cooperation inside the broader framework of India-Japan relations, with deal with institutional engagement, financial collaboration and better folks to folks exchanges.’

https://x.com/myogiadityanath/status/2026653575989080140?s=20

‘Held significant discussions on strengthening Uttar Pradesh-Japan cooperation inside the broader framework of India-Japan relations, with deal with institutional engagement, financial collaboration and better folks to folks exchanges. Highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s speedy financial development, progressive industrial insurance policies and dedication to offering a conducive ecosystem for international traders, and emphasised Japan’s necessary function in our improvement journey. Mr. NISHIMURA appreciated the transformation underway in Uttar Pradesh and expressed his dedication to additional advancing UP-Japan ties.’

Nishimura mentioned that UP and Yamanashi Prefecture are collaborating on inexperienced hydrogen.

In a submit on X, he mentioned, ‘Uttar Pradesh (UP), India’s most populous state, had its Chief Minister Yogi go to Japan, the place he held discussions because the chairman of the parliamentary league. UP State and Yamanashi Prefecture are collaborating on inexperienced hydrogen, and with Governor Koji Nagasaki of Yamanashi Prefecture additionally in attendance, they agreed to work collectively to additional develop Japan-India relations, with this regional trade and collaboration serving as a mannequin.’

https://x.com/nishy03/status/2026643623908094130?s=20

Earlier within the day, Yogi Adityanath held a productive assembly with Japan Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

In a submit on X, the embassy said that the 2 leaders mentioned methods to strengthen cooperation between Uttar Pradesh and Japan in numerous fields.

The embassy highlighted that the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership gives a robust basis for enhancing bilateral ties and advancing the Next Generation State-Prefecture Partnership.

https://x.com/IndianEmbTokyo/status/2026589790112542848?s=20

In a submit on X, the Indian embassy in Tokyo mentioned, ‘Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, held a productive assembly with Japan Foreign Minister H.E. Mr. Toshimitsu Motegi. They mentioned methods to strengthen cooperation between UP and Japan in numerous fields. India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership gives the robust basis for enhancing bilateral ties on all fronts and advancing the Next Generation State-Prefecture Partnership.’

CM Yogi visited Singapore from February 23- 24 and shall be in Japan from February 25-26. (ANI)

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‘Spider-Man’ prolonged universe set for “fresh reboot”

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Los Angeles [US], February 25 (ANI): Swinging into thrilling new territory, the beloved ‘Spider-Man’ universe is gearing up for enlargement, promising followers extra of these web-slinging adventures.

Sony Pictures chairman and CEO Tom Rothman has confirmed the studio’s plans for a ‘recent reboot’ to the Spider-Man prolonged universe of spinoffs, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

Noting that the ‘bigger Spider-Verse’ will not be over but, Rothman recommended that there will probably be a recent reboot with new faces.

‘Scarcity has worth … you bought to make the viewers miss you,’ he teased.

During the dialog, the Sony Pictures CEO additionally confirmed that Tom Holland’s starrer ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ was banned in China over the movie’s climax set on the Statue of Liberty.

‘You say, ‘USD 1.9 billion, what’s incorrect with 2?’ Well, it did not get into China, however in my thoughts the movie’s field workplace is over 2 billion as a result of I do know what we might have executed in China,’ he shared.

Notably, the live-action ‘Spider-Man’ universe movies had been launched with 2018’s hit launch ‘Venom’, which turned a giant hit with USD 856 million globally.

Further releases got here with 2022’s ‘Morbius’, 2024’s ‘Madame Web’ and 2024’s ‘Kraven the Hunter’.

Meanwhile, ‘Venom,’ the symbiote supervillian who turned a favorite Spider-Man baddie, will seem in an animated movie from ‘Final Destination Bloodlines’ administrators Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein, reported Variety.

Tom Hardy, who performed Eddie Brock and his be-fanged counterpart in three live-action ‘Venom’ films, will probably be concerned within the challenge, based on a studio supply, as quoted by Variety.

The challenge is within the early levels of improvement, so so much may change.

Sony Pictures, which controls the rights to ‘Venom’ by way of its licensing cope with Marvel’s Spider-Man universe, will produce the image by way of Sony Pictures Animation.

The division scored with earlier animated web-spinner adventures resembling ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ and ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse.’

A 3rd movie, ‘Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse,’ is anticipated to debut in theatres in 2027. (ANI)

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Japan Antitrust Watchdog Raids Microsoft

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TOKYO, Feb 26 (News On Japan) –
The Japan Fair Trade Commission has performed an on-site inspection of Microsoft’s Japanese subsidiary on suspicion of violating the Antimonopoly Act by doubtlessly limiting using rival providers.

The inspection focused Microsoft’s native unit, Japan Microsoft, which is headquartered in Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo.

According to folks aware of the matter, the Japanese subsidiary is suspected of stopping prospects from utilizing Microsoft software program on competing cloud providers that rival its Azure platform, or of setting larger charges in such circumstances.

The Fair Trade Commission believes the practices might have hindered rivals’ efforts to win prospects and plans to proceed its investigation, with the U.S.-based mother or father firm additionally anticipated to come back below scrutiny.

Source: TBS

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Cubs 1B/OF Tyler Austin (knee) out for ‘months’

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(Photo credit score: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images)

Chicago Cubs outfielder/first baseman Tyler Austin will probably be sidelined for ‘months’ following knee surgical procedure, supervisor Craig Counsell mentioned Wednesday.

Austin, 34, signed a one-year contract for a reported $1.25 million in December after enjoying the previous six seasons in Japan with Yokohama, the place he hit .289 with 94 house runs and 268 RBIs.

Austin performed within the main leagues from 2016-19, batting .219 with 33 homers and 91 RBIs in 209 video games with the New York Yankees (2016-18), Minnesota Twins (2018-19), San Francisco Giants (2019) and Milwaukee Brewers (2019).

He was competing this spring to again up first baseman Michael Busch and supply outfield depth.

–Field Level Media

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Skytree Elevator Halt Caused by Damaged Internal Wiring

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TOKYO, Feb 26 (News On Japan) –
An elevator at Tokyo Skytree that made an emergency cease with passengers on board was discovered to have halted as a result of harm to inside wiring, with operations set to renew from February twenty sixth after security checks.

The operator of Tokyo Skytree held a press convention on February twenty fifth, revealing that the incident occurred three nights earlier on February twenty second, when an elevator stopped at a top of about 30 meters above floor, trapping a complete of 20 individuals for roughly 5 and a half hours till they have been rescued.

As a end result, round 1,200 guests who had been on the remark deck have been quickly unable to return to floor stage.

Operations have been suspended following the incident as inspections and an investigation have been carried out, resulting in the invention of the trigger.

Kudo Hiroyuki of Tobu Tower Skytree mentioned: “The protective covering of the moving cable peeled off, damaging the internal wiring and causing a ground fault.”

The cable earlier than the harm had been lined in a black vinyl-like materials, however the masking peeled away, exposing a yellow internal part that was broken.

According to the operator, the cable related to the elevator turned entangled with a curler information—a part of a tool beneath the elevator that reduces vibration—leading to harm to the inner wiring.

The cable had solely been changed in December final 12 months. Asked why the issue occurred, Kudo cited a twist within the transferring cable and motion attributable to wind-induced swaying of the Tokyo Skytree tower as contributing elements.

Measures comparable to putting in protecting covers to forestall additional harm can be carried out by the operator and associated events.

Tokyo Skytree mentioned it would resume operations from 10 a.m. on February twenty sixth for 3 elevators which have been confirmed secure, excluding the unit concerned within the incident.

Source: TBS

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Kyoto Proposes Two-Tier Bus Pricing

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KYOTO, Feb 26 (News On Japan) –
Kyoto City on February twenty fifth unveiled a draft plan for a “citizen-priority pricing” system for municipal buses, beneath which fares for residents can be lowered whereas non-residents, together with vacationers, would pay larger charges, as officers search to stability overtourism with day by day life for locals.

Mayor Koji Matsui disclosed the “base proposal” for the brand new fare construction, which town goals to introduce from the following fiscal 12 months after subsequent. In latest years, Kyoto has confronted rising issues linked to a surge in inbound guests, with some bus routes—very important for residents’ day by day transportation—turning into so crowded that locals have been unable to board, whereas visitors congestion has additionally elevated.

To handle the problem, town is contemplating setting totally different fares for “citizens” and “non-citizens,” together with vacationers. Under the proposal introduced on February twenty fifth, the present flat fare of 230 yen can be diminished by 30 yen to 200 yen for residents, whereas fares for non-residents would rise to between roughly 350 yen and 400 yen.

Matsui stated the extra burden on non-residents would fall inside an appropriate vary so as to help sustainable city improvement in Kyoto and assist strike a stability between tourism and residents’ day by day lives.

If launched, the system can be the primary of its type for a public bus service in Japan, with Kyoto City planning to proceed discussions as it really works towards implementation through the subsequent fiscal 12 months after subsequent.

Source: YOMIURI

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Japan’s Farmers and Factories Welcome Long-Awaited Rain

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TOKYO, Feb 26 (News On Japan) –
An extended-awaited spell of regular rain fell throughout Japan following a file stretch of low precipitation, providing much-needed aid to farmers and producers that had struggled with water shortages.

After an unseasonably heat interval, chilly rain set in, with central Tokyo recording greater than 30 millimeters of rainfall for the primary time in 117 days since October thirty first. In Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture, rainfall over six hours reached 52 millimeters, the best ever recorded for February.

For these affected by the shortage of rain, the downpour got here as a welcome improvement. At a farm in Tokyo, the influence of the extended dry situations was evident.

Masuo Masujima of Kishino Farm stated, “They’re this small. Normally they would grow much larger.” Growth had been delayed as a result of file dry climate, leaving daikon radishes about half their normal dimension. Rising temperatures additionally prompted some vegetation to sprout buds prematurely, forcing farmers to discard them. “It would have been better if the rain had come around January,” Masujima added.

The rain additionally introduced aid to a manufacturing unit that prints designs on T-shirts, a course of that requires massive volumes of water.

Tomoki Yamaguchi, president of Yamataka Printing Factory, stated, “We basically use groundwater. It runs out by the morning, so we stop for about an hour and then use it again.” Groundwater ranges had fallen as a result of lack of rain, and the manufacturing unit had been supplementing provides with faucet water, doubling its water payments. To preserve water, processes usually dealt with by machines have been switched to guide work.

“Today we can use water fairly freely, so it really helps improve efficiency,” Yamaguchi stated.

Rain additionally fell nationwide attributable to a entrance and low-pressure system over southern waters, with greater than 100 millimeters recorded over 24 hours in components of Nagasaki and Kochi prefectures. In drought-hit areas, the rain offered welcome aid: consumption restrictions on the Yoshino River, which flows via Kochi and Tokushima prefectures, have been briefly lifted, and dam storage ranges confirmed slight restoration. In Ehime Prefecture, 5 places recorded their highest February rainfall on file.

A employee at a college cooperative famous that college students have been heading to sit down entrance exams within the rain, saying, “It’s tough for them to go in this weather, but I hope they do their best for their future.”

Weather situations are anticipated to vary steadily nationwide within the coming days, with massive temperature swings possible, prompting requires warning to keep away from falling unwell.

Source: TBS

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UP CM Adityanath urges diaspora in Tokyo to take part in India’s progress

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Tokyo [Japan], February 25 (ANI): Highlighting India’s rising world stature and financial resilience, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the Indian diaspora in Tokyo, urging them to contribute to their residence nation’s progress whereas supporting the nation they at present inhabit.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister referred to the state of worldwide markets and the resilience wanted to navigate them. ‘The world financial system is in turmoil. This turmoil will not final lengthy. But the entire world is watching this with endurance. In these circumstances, we should additionally help the nation we stay in. We should stand with them, however we should additionally take into consideration our personal nation. We should take part in its progress,’ CM Adityanath said.

He additional emphasised the rising worldwide confidence in India’s development story, noting enthusiasm amongst world buyers. ‘Every delegation appears very constructive and desperate to put money into India. The pondering is: If we do good, the nation and the world will do nicely,’ he added.

Underscoring the federal government’s dedication to its folks, the Chief Minister burdened that India stays a steadfast guardian of its residents, no matter the place they’re on the earth.

‘India by no means permits any breach within the pursuits or safety of its residents. It all the time stands with them, and we must also have the identical feeling,’ he said.

CM Adityanath concluded by reinforcing the imaginative and prescient of shared prosperity and India’s conventional values of worldwide humanitarianism. ‘Our improvement will likely be for the progress of the nation, for his or her prosperity, and our prosperity will likely be for the welfare of the folks, with a spirit of friendship and compassion for humanity internationally.’

Building on this imaginative and prescient of business development, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday held high-level discussions with the management of Suzuki Motor Corporation and Minda Corporation in Japan to discover large-scale funding alternatives within the state’s vehicle sector.

The Chief Minister held a gathering with the delegation of Minda Corporation, together with Executive Director Aakash Minda, together with its Japanese three way partnership companions. The CM additionally held a gathering with Toshihiro Suzuki, President and Representative Director of Suzuki Motor Corporation.

In an X publish, CM Yogi mentioned, ‘Met the delegation of Minda Corporation (Spark Minda Group) and its Japanese three way partnership companions in Tokyo right this moment, together with Mr. Aakash Minda, Executive Director, Minda Corporation, and Mr. Hiroaki Omori, Managing Director and CFO, Spark Minda Toyo Denso Pvt. Ltd. A MoU was signed to additional strengthen Uttar Pradesh’s superior auto element manufacturing ecosystem. Assured the delegation of full help from the Government of Uttar Pradesh for seamless facilitation, land allocation and infrastructure help, reinforcing our dedication to industrial development, know-how partnerships and employment era.’

Expanding the scope of business cooperation, the UP CM additionally met Shigeki Tanabe, Senior Managing Executive Officer and Executive General Manager of Konoike Transport Co., Ltd., alongside along with his staff in Tokyo. They mentioned increasing Konoike’s presence in Uttar Pradesh throughout logistics parks, warehousing and multimodal transport infrastructure. The UP CM invited the corporate to discover alternatives in medical gadgets manufacturing, leveraging the Dedicated Freight Corridor community and the Medical Devices Park in YEIDA.

Earlier, CM Adityanath additionally invited Mitsui & Co. to discover transformative funding alternatives in Uttar Pradesh, specializing in the state’s fast industrial enlargement.

‘Had a productive and forward-looking assembly with Mr Kazuki Shimizu, Managing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Infrastructure Projects Business Unit, Mitsui & Co., together with senior members of his staff, in Tokyo right this moment. Invited Mitsui & Co. to discover transformative funding alternatives in Uttar Pradesh throughout Renewable Energy, ICT, Semiconductors and Data Centres,’ CM Yogi mentioned on X on Wednesday. The discussions additionally touched upon collaboration in infrastructure tasks and logistics networks to strengthen world provide chain integration.

CM Yogi arrived in Japan on Wednesday for a two-day official go to. During the go to from February 25-26, the CM is anticipated to take part in key conferences and interactions aimed toward strengthening bilateral cooperation and exploring funding alternatives for the state. (ANI)

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Hawk Destroys Drone But Leaves Stunning Footage

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SHIGA, Feb 26 (News On Japan) –
A drone capturing aerial footage of a waterfall in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture, instantly plunged from the sky after being attacked by a hawk, destroying tools value round 100,000 yen however leaving the operator with what he described as ‘the most effective footage.’

The dramatic incident was filmed midair, displaying a single hawk gliding majestically with its wings totally unfold earlier than the state of affairs took an sudden flip.

The witness, who stated he has visited 6,000 waterfalls nationwide, had been utilizing a drone to movie one of many websites in Koka when the accident occurred.

After lifting the drone increased into the sky, the digital camera was capturing the encircling pure surroundings when, within the subsequent prompt, the footage instantly grew to become distorted.

The witness recalled, “At the time, I thought something brown was coming toward it, and then it crashed. The drone cost just under 100,000 yen, so I thought, ‘This is serious, this is serious.’”

The digital camera later revealed the clear explanation for the crash.

A hawk might be seen locking onto its goal from a distance. Spreading its wings and pointing its talons ahead, the chicken mounted its gaze on the drone earlier than launching a direct assault.

Only a number of seconds handed between the second the hawk appeared and the swift strike that introduced the drone down.

Although the drone was destroyed, the operator appeared to take the loss in stride.

“It’s incredible — I got the best footage,” he stated. “I’m grateful to the hawk for capturing that video.”

After buying a substitute drone, the operator stated he had taken precautions to forestall an identical incident.

“I don’t know if it will be effective, but I put shiny stickers on it,” he stated.

Source: FNN

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